When a new model of a popular car comes out sometimes people forget about the old version.
And while the new Chevy Spark is a great B-class car the older A-class model is well worth another glance if you are looking for a reliable little nip-around vehicle that will not break the bank.
The A-class car is still a five-door machine and will only set you back between $15,500 and $16,500 depending on whether you decide to go for the automatic (the more expensive) or the manual version.
This makes it one of the cheapest cars to buy as well as one of the cheapest cars to run on the island.
You might think with a little car like the Spark A-class you might not have much space or legroom and the 0.8 litre engine might leave you wanting when it comes to acceleration and power.
But in reality the A Class is a nice little run around that does not come up short in any departments of driving in Bermuda. For your money you get power steering, electric windows up front, a good air conditioning system and a decent stereo that you can plug your iPod into.
There is a reasonable space in the trunk to pack away plenty and there is ample room for two adults to sit on the back seat.
The interior is comfortable while being functional.
And the driver’s position is higher than you would expect and gives you good all around visibility when driving and parking.
The A-class Spark sports a carpeted floor with driver heel mat pads.
The grey cloth interior is simple as well as durable.
The driver’s dashboard is merely a hazard warning light display that tells you when you are running low on fuel, you have not done your seat belt up or you have left you hand brake on.
The more central dashboard gives you a read out of speed, revs and fuel level as well as the time.
The older Spark comes in automatic as well as manual and moves between the gears surprisingly smoothly for a car with such a small engine.
When you get behind the wheel you never feel like this little Chevy struggles with hills or lack of acceleration on the open road.
Smooth
It gives you a smooth and sedate ride – and the small stature of the car makes it easy to find a parking space for it in town.
There are no flashy accessories in the A-class – there are no little buttons on your steering wheel or little levers under your feet.
What you get is a little car with a big heart that makes you happy because you know you have not had to empty your savings account to get it licensed and on the road.
If you are worried about space — the back seats do fold down to give you extra room to transport larger objects over short distances.
Value
Amy Greenslade from Rayclan said: “The A-class gives you something that is great value for money.
“It’s ideal for people who say they can not afford a car. A lot of people do not realize there is such an economical option out there these days.
“It’s obviously not going to work for a family of six but that does not mean this can not be a family car.
“I think because we have the newer Spark now people don’t think we still do the older version.
“But we want people to know the A-class is still here and it is still a great little car for driving in Bermuda.”